Recently published Ornithological Works . 549 
were on an elevated sand-bank, where Casuarinas and 
Rhizophores were growing. Here Artami and Rhipidura 
tricolor were constant visitors to the trees, while some 
species of Ptilotis were also very common. On the sandy 
sea-shore the voice of Corvus orru was often heard, and 
Tringoides hypoleucus was abundant. 
After some preliminary remarks, in which the diversity 
of ornithologists' views and practice as regards sub-species 
are deservedly commented upon, the author gives a list of the 
149 species of which examples were obtained. One “ sub¬ 
species "— Lorius cyanauchen viridicr is satis —is described as 
new, while two others are doubtful. Most of the specimens 
belonged to well-known Papuan species, but Munia spectabilis, 
a Finch, previously only obtained in New Britain, was met 
with near Lake Sentani on the north coast. The exact 
localities of all the specimens are stated. Examples of nine 
species of Birds-of-Paradise were secured. At Humboldt 
Bay, Par a disea minor finschi was very common, but males in 
full dress could only be obtained inland, those on the coast 
having been all shot off! 
51. Beebe on the Hoatzin. 
[Ecology of the Hoatzin. By C. William Beebe. Zoologica, vol. i. 
No. 2. New York, Dec. 1909.] 
The New York Zoological Society has started a new 
periodical, called f Zoologica/ of which four parts relating 
to birds are now before us. All are by the same gifted 
author, whose name is well-known to us, and are based on 
the results of his own recent work. 
The Hoatzin is one of the most anomalous members of 
the Class of Birds, and additional information concerning 
it, especially as regards its habits and mode of life, are very 
welcome. We have also in Mr. Beebe's article a complete 
resume of all that was previously known of this strange fowl. 
Mr. Beebe met with the Hoatzin on the River Guarapiche, 
in South-eastern Venezuela, in March 1908, and on the 
Aburi River in British Guiana in April 1909, and had good 
opportunities of observing its curious habits, which he 
